Daijiworld Media Network - Gadag (SP)

Gadag, Mar 7: 'It is wrong to mention the category, 'Hindu' under the column meant for religion in census records. If Hinduism needs to be recognized as a religion, what is the work on which it is based?' questioned retired vice chancellor of Hampi Kannada University, Dr M M Kalburgi.

He was speaking at the UGC-sponsored national level symposium titled 'Pracheena Kannada Laukika Shastra Sahitya - Ondu Avalokana' held at under the aegis of the department of Kannada of J T College of KLE Society here on Friday March 6.

'Hinduism is a Vedic system. For example, shepherds, hunters etc do not fall under this category. Why should they be considered as Hindus?' he wondered. He added that knowledge-based education is earned by studying. Studies can go wrong, but not experience. Those who built ancient temples were not scientists or experts in the science of temple building. Knowledge earned by sages through penance in forests do not in any way help worldly people. Knowledge earned through experience alone becomes useful for them', he argued.

Art forms like music, dance, and sculpture were handed over through generations by mouth. Most of the experts in these forms did not learn these arts through book reading, he said. He gave credit for the growth of worldly literature (Laukika Sahitya) to King Jayasimha of Chalukya dynasty who ruled in 11th century. He said that this king was the first go get a work written on this art form, which thereafter went on to becoming richer with additions over time.